Josh Sterling was known by many names and for many things in his life. His most recent occupation? A clown for hire. Or at least that’s what he did during daytime hours. At night, he was a thief and a damn good one at that! Mr. Sterling was currently at a 4-year-old’s birthday party. Oddly enough, the theme of the party was pennywise–seemed strange for a 4-year-old’s birthday, but the girl, Lauren, seemed to be really enjoying herself. She had face paint on, just as Pennywise did in the stories and pictures. But enough about the party. This was a perfect opportunity to scope out the home of a very well-off family. The Figs family. The Figs are known for their expensive taste but also for their exquisite taste in rare finds.
While walking through the halls, he heard someone in a room nearby talking about the long-lost treasure of Aschaffenburg. Josh Sterling had heard the tale of the treasure but never really believed it to be true. Still skeptical but intrigued by the parts of the conversation he heard, it seemed promising. Instead of planning the perfect heist in the home of the Figs, he could try to find out more about the treasure of Aschaffenburg and get to it first. It could be his final score. Mr. Sterling had always dreamed of retiring on some island somewhere, soaking up the sun, never having to worry about money again.
At the end of the day, after the party was over, Mr. Sterling went to Mrs. Figs for payment. It’s not like he really needed it but he had to hold up the impression that he did. He would not want anyone to think he did this for free, or they would start wondering where all his money was coming from. Mrs. Figs thanked him for a job well done. She said her daughter Lauren seemed to enjoy the part and would like to recommend him to her friends for their parties if that was okay with him. It was here that he took a leap of faith and asked for a job as a groundskeeper.
Mrs. Figs raised an eyebrow but smiled warmly. “A groundskeeper, Mr. Sterling? That’s quite a shift from your clowning business.”
Josh chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. “Well, Mrs. Figs, I’ve always had a green thumb. Thought it might be nice to spend more time outdoors, you know? Plus, I’d love the steady work.”
Mrs. Figs considered for a moment before nodding. “Alright, Mr. Sterling. We could use some help with the garden. It’s extensive and requires a lot of care. You can start next week.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Figs. I won’t let you down,” Josh said with a grin, shaking her hand firmly.
The following week, Josh arrived at the Figs’ mansion early in the morning, donning overalls and a wide-brimmed hat. He spent the first few days genuinely working on the garden, trimming hedges, planting flowers, and mowing the expansive lawns. However, his mind was constantly on the treasure of Aschaffenburg. He needed to gather more information, and the Figs’ vast library seemed like the perfect place to start.
One afternoon, while Mrs. Figs was out and the household staff were busy with their chores, Josh slipped into the library. The room was massive, with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with volumes on various subjects. He started scanning the titles, looking for anything that might hint at the treasure’s location.
After an hour of searching, he found an old, dusty book titled “Legends and Lore of the Old World.” Flipping through the pages, he found a chapter dedicated to the treasure of Aschaffenburg. According to the book, the treasure was hidden in a castle in Germany, long forgotten and abandoned. The only way to find it was to solve a series of riddles left by the castle’s last lord, Baron von Aschaffenburg.
Josh’s heart raced as he read the clues, each one more cryptic than the last. The first riddle hinted at a secret passage hidden behind a portrait of the baron’s beloved wife. Josh knew this was it. This was the lead he needed.
Over the next few weeks, Josh continued his work in the garden, but his nights were filled with research and planning. He needed to get to Germany and find the castle. But first, he needed funds and a plan to get past any obstacles he might face.
One evening, after everyone had gone to bed, Josh decided to take a closer look around the mansion. The Figs had a collection of rare artifacts displayed in a glass case in the study. Among them was an old, ornate key that caught Josh’s eye. It looked ancient and could possibly be connected to the treasure.
Josh carefully picked the lock of the glass case and took the key, making sure to leave no trace of his tampering. He had a feeling this key would be crucial in his quest.
With the key in his possession and his plan in place, Josh knew it was time to make his move. He left a resignation letter for Mrs. Figs, thanking her for the opportunity and explaining that he had to leave due to a family emergency. He packed his bags and booked a one-way ticket to Germany.
Josh arrived in Germany and made his way to the small town near the abandoned castle. The locals were wary of strangers and reluctant to talk about the castle, but Josh managed to befriend an old bartender who shared some of the local lore. The bartender confirmed that many had tried to find the treasure, but none had succeeded. The castle was said to be haunted, and those who entered never returned.
Undeterred, Josh set out for the castle the next morning. The structure was in ruins, overgrown with vines and trees. He found the portrait of the baron’s wife in the main hall, just as the book described. Behind it, he discovered a hidden passage leading deep into the castle.
With the key in hand and his heart pounding with excitement, Josh ventured into the darkness, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He knew this was his last heist, and if he succeeded, he could finally retire and live the life he had always dreamed of.
The Writings of James Adler 
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